Postdoc Position On T Cell Engineering

About the job

Funded through the NWO M2 curiosity driven science scheme, we are starting a highly interdisciplinary project to dissect the functional requirements for engineered T cells to perform their most potent and desired tumor targeting behavior: serial killing. Through live cell imaging of engineered T cell and tumor organoid co-cultures we have observed that this killing of multiple cancer cells in sequence involves a high level of morphological plasticity1. In addition, we uncovered the underlying transcriptomic profile of this unique behavior, including genes involved in cell-to-cell conjugation, morphological plasticity and metabolic fitness2. In this project, we will explore the functional role of these genes and associated cellular processes in serial killing by performing a data-driven CRISPR knock-out screen. Candidate genes of interest will be followed up using live cell imaging and, importantly, by employing new AI models for T cell tracking and morphology detection developed by our collaborator Dr. Stratis Gavves from the University of Amsterdam.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist with a background in genetic engineering and immunology, preferably, T cell biology. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the project, strong communication and organization skills and a highly collaborative attitude are key. Main activities include the genetic engineering of T cells, their co-culture with patient-derived tumor organoids and subsequent readouts using live cell imaging technologies.

What we offer

We offer a full-time position (based on 36 hours a week) in a very stimulating and interactive environment. The contract will be initially for one year, with the possibility to extend upon satisfaction. Your gross monthly salary will be based on your experience and background within scale FWG 60 (min. €3923,- max. €5746,-) and will include 8,33% holiday allowance and 8,33% end-of-year bonus. The Princess Máxima Center operates according to the collective labor agreement ‘CAO ziekenhuizen’.

The team

You will work within a multidisciplinary team at the forefront of advancing immune-oncology strategies for cancer treatment, using the latest developments in organoid technology, multi-spectral 3D imaging and multi-omics data integration. A direct collaboration with the group of Dr. Stratis Gavves, experts in computer vision for detecting moving objects in time-series data, highly adds to the unicity and novelty of this project.

The Princess Máxima Center

The Princess Máxima Center for pediatric oncology is an integrated hospital and research institute, which integrates healthcare, research and education on pediatric cancer, in a single location in Utrecht. Our institute aims to provide the highest level of care for all children with cancer, with optimal quality of life. The center brings together the best possible care and scientific research, creating a unique interdisciplinary institute for pediatric oncology in Europe.

Contact and application

You can apply for this position until July 1 2025 using the apply button. Please provide:

• an up-to-date resume/CV
• a short motivation letter describing your background and interests
• contact information of 2-3 references

Acquisitie naar aanleiding van deze vacature wordt niet op prijs gesteld.